The Arch de Triomphe - Paris - Napoleon would have been proud

In the heart of a bustling city like Paris, in a district where business, trade and tourism combines perfectly with each other, the Arc de Triomphe is linked to our collective subconscious in a way that exceeds its artistic and architectural. Building the monument was meant to be a tribute to Emperor Napoleon victories, was not completed until the battle of Waterloo led to his dethronement.

The Arch de Triomphe was built over the remains of an unknown soldier killed during the First World War and a perpetual lamp burning in the foundation. From the Arc de Triomphe, start roads in all directions, and therefore the Charles de Gaulle square, where it is located the Arch, is known as the "Star Market" - (Place de l'Étoile). The Arch is located at the western end, of the famous Champs-Élysées. The Arch de Triomphe is a tribute to honor those who fought for France, especially during the Napoleonic Wars. Inside and above the arch are inscribed the names of all generals and wars fought.

Arc de Triomphe measures 49.5 meters, 45 meters wide and 22 deep, and is the second largest triumphal arch in the world exist. It is so great that in the festivities dedicated to the conclusion of the First War, a biplane pilot flew under it.

The idea of the Arch appeared in 1806 after victory at Austerlitz of the Emperor Napoleon. Only the building foundation lasted two years. During the Restoration, construction was stalled and would not be completed until the reign of King Louis Philippe.

Body Emperor Napoleon was passed under the Arc on December 15, 1840 on the way to the second and his last resting place, Dome of the Invalids. In the early 60s, the monument became very dark because of soot from coal and gas exhaust. Therefore between the years 1965-1966, the Arch has been cleaned with bleach.

For those who ventured to enter by car in Paris is good to know that vehicles entering under the Arc de Triomphe have priority over those around him. Pedestrian access to the Arc is through an underground passage. The monument is equipped with an elevator from the underground up to the observation. Tourists can climb the 284 steps or use the elevator and then another 46 steps to climb up. From the Arc de Triomphe panorama can be admired by the 12 major arteries leaving the Place de l'Étoile.

The Triumphal Arch can be reached by:

- Metro: lines 1, 2 and 6 to station Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
- RER: Line A to station Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile
- Bus: lines 22, 30, 31, 52, 73, 92 and Balabus
- Walk along the Champs-Elysées

The Arch de Triomphe is open for visitation from 1 April to 30 September between 10:00 and 23:00 and from 1 October to 31 March between 10:00 am and 22:30. Tickets must be purchased half an hour before closing time. The Arch is closed on January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14 (morning), November 11 (morning) and December 25.

Tickets: € 9 for adults, € 5.5 for young people between 18 and 25 years, free admission for those under 18.

The Arch de Triomphe is one of the most important symbols of France and therefore not to be missed visiting under any circumstances if you are in Paris. The view is great and many say it is more beautiful even than the Eiffel Tower.